Khalilov continues hot streak with Sabatini

Ukraine's Mikhaylo Khalilov, 33, showed his form is red-hot with victory in the 56th Coppa Sabatini. It was the third victory in recent weeks, adding to GP Prato and Memorial Cimurri. Italians Filippo Pozzato of Team Liquigas and Stefano Garzelli of Team Acqua Sapone-Caffè Mokambo finished second and third, respectively.

Organisers held the race on a circuit around Peccioli in Toscana, Italy. The final three 12.2-kilometre loops completed a course totalling 199 kilometres.

Khalilov of Team Ceramica Flaminia escaped on the final uphill run to Peccioli. He followed an attack by Acqua Sapone's Francesco Failli on a small group led by Liquigas for Pozzato. Pozzato rapidly closed on Khalilov in the final 200 metres from the final corner, but fell slightly short of victory.

Luigi Sestili represented Team Ceramica Flaminia in the day's escape. The Italian joined Yauhen Sobal of Team Tinkoff Credit Systems and Ángel Madrazo of Team Scott-American Beef in a move that gained up to 11:12 over the peloton by kilometre 40.

The peloton caught the escape at kilometre 151 and made way for diverse – unsuccessful – counter-attacks. Liquigas was prominent as it worked for Pozzato.